Charlotte Patterson
Introducing the artist.
Charlotte Patterson is a dancer, writer, and artist based in Sydney. The portraits on this page were taken in New Zealand, in Auckland and Tauranga.
“The instinct to write is best cultivated when you don’t fight it. And it strikes often at inconvenient times, moments in the day that spark interest or send the mind running.”
- Charlotte Patterson
Q. If you were to submit a bio about your creative life, for say, a magazine or a book, what would you write?
I am a dancer, a writer, an artist. I do not mind which medium I create through as long as my art strives toward my main goal, to heal people. Or at least make them feel something. Everything I create comes from love, so I think, with some optimism, that art can save the world.
Q. How would you describe your creative palette - from dancing, to your poetry, and other artistic work?
Dancing to me feels like a pure expression of life, rich and powerful emotions that do not allow for suppression, it is when I feel most alive. When I write it feels like prayer, to notice is to love, and drawing attention to the beauty of Mundane things creates love of life.
Q. Who are the artists (this can be everything from dancers you know to poets, photographers etc) are you drawn to? And what is it about their work that draws you to them?
In terms of Dance my biggest inspiration is Project Home. A collective from San Diego that never fail to pull on the heartstrings with their dance pieces. And for writing, Trev Cimenski, Aka Of a Hound. His words and file very create such a beautiful sense of calm, a truly talented human.
Q. For your creative writing, what is your instinct when you work? Can you describe such a thing as 'instinct'?
The instinct to write is best cultivated when you don’t fight it. And it’s strikes often at inconvenient times, moments in the day that spark interest or send the mind running. I find myself hitting down strange sentences and idea throughout my day in hopes to come back and create something of them later. But to be honest, many of them remain strange little fragments in my notes app.
“Dancing to me feels like a pure expression of life, rich and powerful emotions that do not allow for suppression, it is when I feel most alive.”
- Charlotte Patterson
Q. How would you describe the style and substance of your creative work?
Tricky question, quiet, homely and sometimes a little melancholic but in a comforting sort of way. (I hope).
Q. What's your view on artistic style? Is it something for an artist to consider, strive for, or leave for others to make their own judgements?
I think artistic style is super important, style in all fields can be a great tool for self expression. But I don’t think that artists have to find a style and stick to it forever, we are all constantly changing, I think we should be lighter on judging our past selves and others for style that no longer fits our current taste.
Q. How does your creative process change when you move from dancing to writing?
The process to create a dance is easier, flows more and honestly is often more fun. Purely because I’ve had more practice at it. Writing feels like I inhabit a different archetype within myself, currently I’m working to merge the mediums and processes.
Q. Describe a future exhibition of your work. What might it be of?
A film festival style evening, local writers and dancers contribute also. Films of poetry and dance combined to make beautiful and heartfelt films. Telling stories close to me and my community. Live dancing and spoken word would also be integrated.
Q. Moving on to the life of the arts/creative sector in New Zealand. What are your thoughts on its current health? Is it underappreciated, appreciated enough? Do you worry about it? How can artists thrive more in NZ?
I don’t think art could ever be over appreciated, but I’m not worried. The next generation of dancers are some of the most talented ambitious and driven I’ve ever met. But the culture of tall poppy syndrome is very detrimental, I think we will get there slowly but people are still being shot down for being different and that is so so sad.
Q. I'll leave with an overused question, but one I find interesting nevertheless. If you could hang out with one artist (past or living) for a day, hour, or even a couple of minutes, who would it be? And what would you ask them?
That’s soooo hard to pick just one! But I would have to say Larkin Poynton, one of the founders of project home. I’ve been lucky enough to connect with him in the past, but I would ask him, what in his life has made him continue being an artist? It’s not an easy career path, so the ‘why’ of people speaks volumes to who they are and how they’ve gotten to where they are.
“Writing feels like I inhabit a different archetype within myself, currently I’m working to merge the mediums and processes.”
- Charlotte Patterson
Let’s work together.
To make an enquiry, simply send me a message via the form below and I’ll get right back to you. I’m based near Tauranga and work across New Zealand.